NEW DETAILS OF MELEE THAT LED TO DELAY. COPS SAY THEY WERE PREPARED…
BY: STAFF REPORT | BocaNewsNow.com
MIAMI-DADE, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2024 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — Nearly 60 un-ticketed soccer fans were ejected from Hard Rock Stadium Sunday when they forced their way into the venue for Copa America. Nearly 30 were arrested. The melee delayed the start time for a match and brought negative attention to Copa America which — for the most part — had gone well in Miami.
The Miami-Dade Police Department, which handles policing at Hard Rock, is now attempting to control the narrative. The agency issued this statement to BocaNewsNow.com.
[OFFICIAL STATEMENT]: In anticipation of the 2024 Copa America finals, the Miami-Dade Police Department worked alongside Hard Rock Stadium, CONMEBOL, and CONCACAF to prepare and implement an operational plan to ensure the safety of all patrons. Despite these extensive safety measures, numerous unruly fans not in possession of tickets made numerous attempts to breach the stadium gates, as well as to bypass security check points for the safety of all attendees. These actions created a security concern for the tens of thousands of fans who had gathered to peacefully enjoy this historic game, as well as our law enforcement personnel. In addition, extensive damage to stadium property occurred as well as injuries to stadium personnel, law enforcement officers, and innocent patrons. As a result, a swift law enforcement response was prompted, and several individuals were arrested and many more ejected from stadium grounds for the safety and security of all attendees.
“Last night our law enforcement teams responded swiftly to handle an extremely challenging, dangerous situation posing life safety concerns for attendees. I am grateful to every single member of MDPD, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation as well as our partner agencies for working together to keep fans and our community safe, preventing any major incidents,” said Chief Public Safety Officer James Reyes. “We are working with the event organizers to conduct a comprehensive review of all safety and security protocols, as we continue to prepare for the World Cup in 2026.”
“I am very proud of our officers’ response to a volatile situation and for their hard work in keeping our community safe, as well as our law enforcement partners who provided key support,” said Director Stephanie V. Daniels. “As part of the full analysis of last night’s game, we will review protocols set in place to ensure an orderly, safe, and secure environment for all future events.”
- 27 Arrests
- 55 Ejections
There were over 800 law enforcement officers at the event and from the following agencies:
- Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD)
- Florida Highway Patrol (FHP)
- Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO)
- City of Miami Police Department (MPD)
- Miami Beach Police Department (MBPD)
- Miami Gardens Police Department (MGPD)
- Coral Springs Police Department (CSPD)
- Miami-Dade Corrections & Rehabilitation Department (MDCR)
